Bonsall Rotary's fundraising festival: wine, food and song

The 11th Annual North County Wine and Food Festival sponsored by Bonsall Rotary was again held at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. “It was a successful event,” according to Regina Grevatt, president of Bonsall Rotary. The event, which also included a silent auction, raised funds that are donated to groups such as the Boys and Girls Club of North County, REINS — a therapeutic horsemanship program — and the Sullivan Middle School music program. Charities in third-world countries also benefit.

It was a business casual affair this year as guests enjoyed dancing to the music of Aunt Kizzy’z Boyz, a local high-energy blues band that recently took a silver medal in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Over 800 people attended and sampled wine from 140 wineries and twelve restaurants. Sheriff’s volunteers from the Fallbrook/Bonsall area “kept everything under control,” said Grevatt.

Some of the local samplings included:

Cougar Winery of Fallbrook: The winery has been in existence for about two years and sells wholesale as well as through its wine club. Five wines were available at the event and one, a 2004 Berry Port, was billed as “priceless — not for sale.” Only fourteen cases of this port were produced. The wine is made from various berries as well as from figs, and then aged in a Hungarian oak cooperage for fourteen months. Cougar’s 2005 Muscat Canelli was a fruity sweet wine that would go well with spicy dishes or even as a finale to a wonderful meal. More information can be found at http://www.courgarwinery.com.

Fallbrook Winery of Fallbrook: This winery served a variety of its award-winning wines. In my opinion, a mellow and full-bodied 2004 California Chardonnay was the most appealing of the white wines. This wine is aged in French and American oak for twelve months and has an oak as well as a fruity flavor. It was a Gold Medal winner at the 2005 Critic’s Challenge International Wine Competition and also took the Bronze Medal at the 2005 California State Fair Wine Competition. More information can be found at http://www.fallbrookwinery.com.

Scampi’s Simply Italian of Fallbrook took the “People’s Choice Award” for their large, delicious and well-seasoned Shrimp Scampi as well as for their Fresh Fried Sage with Marinara and Parmesan Cheese.

Sweet Leilani’s of Fallbrook was also a popular spot. They served sticky rice, tender teriyaki chicken and flavorful ‘kalua’ pork (an island cooking technique not to be confused with the liqueur Kahlúa). Sweet Leilani’s was also a hit with their tasty homemade brownies and fudge.

Sunrize Café of Bonsall served delicious chicken and beef kabobs with their marvelous mango salsa with cilantro.

Estrella’s Family Restaurant of Bonsall served great Carnitas Tacos along with their award-winning salsa and guacamole. Their salsa won awards at the recent Avocado Festival and last year both the salsa and guacamole were award winners.

Trupiano’s of Fallbrook served penne pasta with a vodka crème sauce, which was a delicious blend of pasta, bell pepper, onion and fresh basil. A creamy and delightful Tiramisu was one of the best I have ever tasted.

Aquaterra at Pala Mesa Resort of Fallbrook offered fresh sushi in the form of California Rolls and Spicy Tuna Rolls, which were a delicious and cool break from the hot food.

La Caseta of Fallbrook served Black Bean Quesadillas and Chicken Tacos with their own popular house sauces, some of which can be purchased at Major Market. Owner Delos Eyer said that he concocted a special sauce just for this event.

El Toro Market of Fallbrook generously presented a variety of foods including their delicious macaroni salad, a flavorful tuna salad and several fruit and cheese plates.

Farmhouse Coffee of Fallbrook welcomed guests to the Jazz and Dessert Courtyard with their fine specialty coffees. The courtyard was sponsored by Murphy’s Printing and the Temecula Valley Bank.

This is the final column in the ‘Dining Out’ series. Next week a new column, ‘Out and About,’ will preview. In addition to restaurant reviews, the column will include a variety of articles on subjects such as theater events, historical sites, museums and other noteworthy topics.